Scenery for toy track layout

ABSTRACT

Scenery apparatus for a toy train track array formed from a series of oblong panels which can be folded for storage and interconnected for erecting in a wide variety of layouts. The panels contain structure for interconnecting the panels, for adjusting the size of the array, for securing the panels to the track and for ensuring that the panels will not interfere with the track and or the model trains running on the track with which the scenery is associated.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 60/303,961, for scenery for toy track layout, filed on Jul. 9, 2001.

SPECIFICATION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a apparatus for decorating model railroad trains and more specifically to collapsible panels adapted for use with different sizes of model trains.

[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0005] Over the years toy trains sets have provided countless hours of fun and amusement to children of all ages. Numerous kits have been created to increase the amusement level of the simple past time of playing with a toy train. All sorts of accessories are attainable to make the train set fit into some sort of realistic environment. Everything from miniature people waiting at the miniature stations, to mountains, tunnels, homes and villages are available so as to make the pretend conductor of the train feel as though he is in control of an actual train.

[0006] There have been a number of landscape structures, for use with toy train sets, which have been developed over the years. Patents for some of these structures are as follows:

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,657 issued Jun. 2, 1987 to Crain et. al., discloses a toy train play setting with detachable storage building, which consists of a molded toy train landscape play setting with multi-leveled tunnels and provisions for portability.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,002,513 issues Mar. 26, 1991 to Weiss discloses a model building kit for railroads, which consists of interchangeable modular units which provide the builder with a means of tailoring the building to the builder's specifications for a more realistic appearance.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,099 issued Aug. 3, 1999 to Bruner et. al. discloses a model train set with storage means and variable track arrangement, which consists of a model train set, particularly to a model train set that includes a foldable base member having a track way and a number of storage recesses. The track way and base member surface are capable of being altered by the addition of snap-in reversible story-boards or by connecting separable track way pieces to the base member.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,149 issued Oct. 5, 1999 to Hunt discloses a toy train and book assembly, which consists of a book which can be folded out to create a play area including a travel path for a wind-up toy train or similar object. The train is removable by the user from a storage compartment of the book construction for play along the travel path.

[0011] These prior art landscape sets discussed above are relatively time consuming to assemble and expensive to purchase. Additionally, they are relatively complex and have pieces that can be lost where loose will diminish the usefulness and enjoyment of the set.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention relates to scenery apparatus for a toy train track array formed from a series of oblong panels which can be folded for storage and interconnected for erecting in a wide variety of layouts. The panels contain structure for interconnecting the panels, for adjusting the size of the array, for securing the panels to the track and for ensuring that the panels will not interfere with the track and or the model trains running on the track with which the scenery is associated.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Accordingly it is an object of the invention to provide scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, in the form of an oblong extended web, which can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled, in different and varying formats which will present a pleasing appearance around the layout of the track.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, which enables different layouts of the scenery apparatus, the oblong extended web, so that it can be in straight lines or curves of various degrees and angles. The scenery apparatus may be positioned in such a way that the tracks will automatically fit on to it and at the same time there will be protections so that where there are curves in the scenery the trains will not hit the scenic board portion of the oblong extended web.

[0015] Still another object of the present invention is to provide scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, having an oblong extended web which is basically free standing and can be folded flat for storage, but when erected the weight of the train will hold the scenery in place.

[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, having an oblong extended web with various fastening arrangements along the oblong extended web that allow the oblong extended web to be connected in various positions and arrangements whether straight or curved. The artwork on the oblong extended web can be either complete or partial allowing the user to fill in their own artwork, similar to a coloring book.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, which the oblong extended web can have a plastic coating on the surface that can be wiped to remove coloring that is done so that it can be recolored, wipe-on, wipe-off. Alternatively, where there is full art, it can be coated so as to protect the oblong extended web to enhance its endurance and usefulness.

[0018] Still another object of the present invention is to provide scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, having scenic boards formed on the oblong extended web, which scenic boards can also be used as a base for stickers which can be placed on it to vary the design, such as stickers of people in various positions or for any other accessory that might be necessary.

[0019] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, in which the scenic board of the oblong extended web can be totally precut or it can be of rectangular panels with the fixtures on them.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, having a ground board portion having slots and tabs, or other fastening means, used to fasten the ground board portion of the oblong extended web to the track, and/or the track can be held down to the ground board portion by means of tape or other fastening means.

[0021] Still another object of the present invention is to provide scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, which scenery apparatus can be assembled quickly and easily with model railroad track combinations.

[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide a scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, in which the oblong extended web consists of only one piece so that nothing can be lost.

[0023] Another object of the present invention to provide a scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, having an oblong extended web of simplified construction.

[0024] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, which can be easily stored when not in use.

[0025] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, which can be arranged in numerous ways or has great flexibility depending upon the imagination of the user as to how it is going to be laid out.

[0026] It is an object of the present invention to provide a scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, which can be either temporary or permanent depending upon the desire of the user.

[0027] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, which has guards to protect the apparatus so that the railroad trains will not hit the scenery, and disfigure it.

[0028] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, which has a wide variety of scenic focuses or scenes, such as a rural theme, cityscape, Christmas theme, a country, or a Western theme, etc., depending upon the desire of the user.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide a scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, which a wide variety of scenic themes can be used and which can be scaled proportionately to the size of the trains.

[0030] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, which is constructed by using simple fastening means to enable great flexibility in the shaping and design of the scenic layout.

[0031] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, which can be used with crayons and various other markers, stickers, or other color applying implements to enable the user to create his own scenic layout.

[0032] Another object of the present invention is to provide a scenery apparatus for use with model railroads and the like, which can be used with any type of track, whether it be railroad or stock cars, racing cars, or any other type of toy transportation device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the following description of the preferred embodiments taken in connection with the following drawings, of which:

[0034]FIG. 1 shows an overall view of a semi-circular layout of oblong extended web for decorating a track layout.

[0035]FIG. 2 shows an overall depiction of the oblong extended web in the folded accordion position.

[0036]FIG. 3 shows an overall depiction of the oblong extended web in the flat and extended position.

[0037]FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3 showing fasting means on the ground board in the unfastened, unassembled position.

[0038]FIG. 5 shows an enlarged inverted view of the same portion as FIG. 4 in which the panels are positioned at an angle to each other showing the interrelation of the fastening means on the oblong extended web.

[0039]FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the FIG. 3 with the track guard tab in the unassembled position.

[0040]FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the FIG. 3 with the track guard in the upright and assembled position.

[0041]FIG. 8 shows and enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3 depicting a single panel in a flat unassembled position.

[0042]FIG. 9 shows and enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3 depicting a single panel in a upright and assembled position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0043] Glossary of Terms

[0044] 1) 100 group (oblong extended web)

[0045] a) 110 front surface

[0046] b) 120 back surface

[0047] c) 130 vertical fold lines

[0048] d) 134 vertical separating cuts

[0049] e) 140 top edge

[0050] f) 150 bottom edge

[0051] g) 160 left edge

[0052] h) 170 right edge

[0053] i) 180 horizontal fold lines

[0054] j) 190 scenic board

[0055] k) 220 ground board

[0056] l) 210 joining cuts

[0057] 2) 200 panel

[0058] a) 110 front surface

[0059] i) 230 coating on front surface

[0060] b) 120 back surface

[0061] c) 130 vertical fold lines

[0062] d) 134 vertical separating cut

[0063] e) 140 top edge

[0064] f) 150 bottom edge

[0065] g) 160 left edge

[0066] h) 170 right edge

[0067] i) 180 horizontal fold lines

[0068] j) 190 scenic board

[0069] k) 220 ground board

[0070] l) 250 track guard tabs

[0071] m) 260 stand slot

[0072] n) 270 external slot

[0073] o) 210 joining cuts

[0074] 3) array

[0075] Referring to the FIG. 3. and FIG. 8. A group of panels 200 formed from an oblong extended web, generally indicated at 100. The panels 200 are formed by means of vertical fold lines 130 and separating cuts 134 which divide the oblong extended web 100 into separate panels 200. Each panel 200 has a front surface 110, a back surface 120, a top edge 140 and a bottom edge 150. The adjacent vertical fold lines 130 and adjacent vertical separating cuts 134 define each panel 200. The front surface 110 of each panel 200 is divided by a horizontal fold line 180 into two portions, a scenic board 190 and a ground board 220.

[0076] Each panel 200 is intended to be folded along the horizontal fold line 180 so that the scenic board 190 is generally vertical and the ground board 220 is generally horizontal. The vertical separating cut 134 extends from the horizontal fold line 180 to the bottom edge 150 to define each ground board 220 as a separate item connected to the oblong extended web 100 only by the horizontal fold line 180.

[0077] The ground board has a track guard tab 250 cut into the panel which can be lifted to form a barrier to prevent model railroad track from hitting the scenic board 190 when the scenic board 190 is in the raised position.

[0078] In addition, at the sides of the ground board 220 are left and right joining cuts 210 which are used for attaching adjacent ground boards 220 when adjacent panels 200 are positioned at angles to each other such as around curves.

[0079] In back of the panel 200 is a stand slot 260 which is cut into the surface of the scenic board 190 and perpendicular to the location of the horizontal fold line 180 so that it can be open to act as a brace to prevent the scenic board 190 from tilting backward from its erect position.

[0080] The back support or stand slot 260 can also be a separate item fastened to the back of each panel 200 which can be folded outward without having to cut through the front surface 110 of the panel 200.

[0081] The adjacent vertical fold lines 130 are formed in a manner so that the oblong extended web 100 can be folded in accordion fashion (as seen in FIG. 2) so that it can easily be collapsed for storage.

[0082] The joining cuts 210 are formed on ground board 220 of each panel 200 to enable the ground board portion 220 of the panels 200 to overlap or be at an angle to each other and to help them remain in position once the panel 200 is erected.

[0083] The front surface 110 of the panel 200 is decorated. The area below the horizontal fold line 180 which is the ground board 220 will usually be decorated with some design that resembles the ground or right of way over which railroad tracks will lie.

[0084] The scenic board 190 formed from the upper portion of the panel 200, will usually be decorated with pictures that will complement the positioning of railroad trains and would relate to the existence of scenery in actual railroad settings, for example, a train station, rural buildings, etc. Additionally, if desired, photographs could be imposed on the scenic board 190 of specific well known landmarks. Alternatively, if desired, the surfaces of the scenic board 190 could include an overlay which would allow for drawing or coloring on the board or for artistic renditions to be pasted on it.

[0085] Further, a coating 230 can be provided to protect and preserve the artwork of front surface 110 of the oblong extended web 100.

[0086] In operation, a user would take an oblong extended web 100 which is folded in accordion manner, as shown in FIG. 2, and unfold the oblong extended web 100, to form a flat web as shown in FIG. 3. The oblong extended web 100 would then be bent along the separating horizontal fold line 180 to fold the scenic board portion 190 in an upright position. The track guard tabs 250 would be lifted to position the track so as to prevent a toy train brushing against or contacting the scenic board portion 190. The arrangement of the individual panels 200 in relation to each other can be established and the panels 200 then positioned so that the adjacent joining cuts 210 would be engaged to allow the panels 200 to form a curve or be positioned at an angle to each other.

[0087] Lastly, the stand slots 260 can be opened to assist the scenic board portion 190 in remaining in a vertical upright position.

[0088] Needless to say, the above invention offers a lot of flexibility to the user. Numerous groups of panels 200 can be stored easily and simply by a user and the scenery can then be changed as desired with relative ease. Additionally, various groups of panels, i.e. oblong extended webs 100 can be arranged in an array around the tracks. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Scenery for toy track layout comprising: an oblong web having, a front surface, a back surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, a right edge, a horizontal fold line extending from the left edge to the right edge, a plurality of vertical parallel fold lines extending from the horizontal fold lines to the top edge, a plurality of vertical parallel separating cuts extending linearly from the vertical parallel fold lines extending between the horizontal fold line and the bottom edge of the oblong web, the plurality of vertical parallel fold lines and the plurality of vertical parallel separating cuts coacting to define a plurality of panels, each of the panels defined by the vertical fold lines and vertical separating cuts divided by the horizontal fold line into a scenic board and a ground board, the scenic board adapted to be folded toward the ground board along the horizontal fold line to be disposed in a vertical position when the ground board is disposed in a horizontal position, support for the vertical position of the scenic board provided by the stiffness of the material forming the oblong web, and a support cut comprising: a horizontal support cut in the scenic board along the horizontal fold line, an inclined support cut intersecting the horizontal support cut, the inclined support cut and the horizontal support cut coacting to form a stand slot to support the scenic board in the upright position; joining cuts on either side of the ground board communicating with the separating cut; tabs formed by the joining cuts on the left and right side of each ground board; a track guard formed on each ground board by a single horizontal track guard cut and two vertical track guard cuts to enable the formation of a slot on the ground board; the plurality of vertical fold lines coacting to enable accordion folding of said plurality of panels when the ground board and the scenic board are a flat position and allowing for relative positioning of adjacent panels when the scenic board is folded in a perpendicular position relative to the ground board; and the plurality of vertical fold lines to enable coaction of the adjacent joining cuts to secure adjacent ground boards to each other to maintain the angular displacement of the scenic board.
 2. Scenery for a toy track layout comprising: an oblong web having, a top surface, a bottom surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, a right edge, a horizontal fold line, a plurality of vertical parallel fold lines, a plurality of vertical parallel separating cuts extending from the horizontal fold line and in registration with the plurality of vertical parallel fold lines, a plurality of connected panels formed by said vertical fold lines, each of said plurality of panels divided by said horizontal fold line into the scenic board and a ground board, joining cuts formed on adjacent edges of ground boards in registration with each other, and adjacent pairs of said joining cuts formed on adjacent edges of said ground boards coacting to form a locking means to hold said panels in an angularly disposed position when said panels are folded along said horizontal fold line and adjacent panels are disposed at relative angles to each other to cause overlap of said adjacent ground boards.
 3. Scenery for a toy track layout as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: a stand slot for the scenic board, comprising; a horizontal support cut in the scenic board along the horizontal fold line; an incline support cut intersecting the horizontal support cut; and the horizontal support cut and the incline support cut coacting to form a stand slot which can be folded out to support the scenic board in a vertical position when the scenic board is folded in a 90 degree location relative to the ground board along the horizontal fold line.
 4. Scenery for a toy track layout, according to claim 2 further comprising: a track guard slot comprising; a tab formed by a plurality of cut lines formed in the ground board; and the tab adapted to be folded to a raised position to provide a limiting location for any tracks placed on the ground board with relation to the distance to the scenic board.
 5. Scenery for a toy track layout according to claim 2 wherein the parallel fold lines are adapted to enable adjacent panels to be folded in accordion relationship for storage of the scenery for the toy track when each of the panels is folded flat.
 6. Scenery for a toy track layout as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: a stand slot for the scenic board, comprising; a horizontal support cut in the scenic board along the horizontal fold line; an incline support cut intersecting the horizontal support cut; and the horizontal support cut and the incline support cut coacting to form a stand slot which can be folded out to support the scenic board in a vertical position when the scenic board is folded in a 90 degree location relative to the ground board along the horizontal fold line wherein the parallel fold lines are adapted to enable adjacent panels to be folded in accordion relationship for storage of the scenery for the toy track when each of the panels is folded flat. and
 7. Scenery for a toy track layout, according to claim 3, further comprising: a track guard slot comprising; a tab formed by a plurality of cut lines formed in the ground board; and the tab adapted to be folded to a raised position to provide a limiting location for any tracks placed on the ground board with relation to the distance to the scenic board.
 8. Scenery for a toy track layout of claim 2, further comprising: a stand slot or the scenic board, comprising; a horizontal support cut in the scenic board along the horizontal fold line; an incline support cut intersecting the horizontal support cut; and the horizontal support cut and the incline support cut coacting to form a stand slot which can be folded out to support the scenic board in a vertical position when the scenic board is folded in a 90 degree location relative to the ground board along the horizontal fold line. parallel fold lines adapted to enable adjacent panels to be folded in accordion relationship for storage of the scenery for the toy track when each of the panels is folded flat.
 9. Scenery for a toy track layout as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: a stand slot for the scenic board, comprising; a horizontal support cut in the scenic board along the horizontal fold line; an incline support cut intersecting the horizontal support cut; and the horizontal support cut and the incline support cut coacting to form a stand slot which can be folded out to support the scenic board in a vertical position when the scenic board is folded in a 90 degree location relative to the ground board along the horizontal fold line wherein the parallel fold lines are adapted to enable adjacent panels to be folded in accordion relationship for storage of the scenery for the toy track when each of the panels is folded flat.
 10. Scenery for a toy track layout, according to claim 9 further comprising: a track guard slot comprising; a tab formed by a plurality of cut lines formed in the ground board; and the tab adapted to be folded in a raised position to provide a limiting location for any tracks placed on the ground board with relation to the distance to the scenic board.
 11. Scenery for a toy track layout as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: a stand slot for the scenic board, comprising; a horizontal support cut in the scenic board along the horizontal fold line; an incline support cut intersecting the horizontal support cut; and the horizontal support cut and the incline support cut coacting to form a stand slot which can be folded out to support the scenic board in a vertical position when the scenic board is folded in a 90 degree location relative to the ground board along the horizontal fold line. a track guard slot comprising; a tab formed by a plurality of cut lines formed in the ground board; and the tab adapted to be folded to a raised position to provide a limiting location for any tracks placed on the ground board with relation to the distance to the scenic board. parallel fold lines adapted to enable adjacent panels to be folded in accordion relationship for storage of the scenery for the toy track when each of the panels is folded flat.
 12. Scenery for a toy track layout comprising: an oblong web, a plurality of vertical lines dividing the oblong web into a plurality of panels; the portion of the each of the plurality of vertical lines cut to form a separating cut; a horizontal fold line extending the length of the oblong web dividing each of the panels into a scenic board and a ground board; the scenic board and the ground board adapted to be folded along the horizontal line to enable vertical positioning of the scenic board and horizontal positioning of the ground board; joining cuts formed in adjacent edges of the ground boards to enable interfitting of the ground hoards along the cut lines when the panels are disposed at an angle.
 13. A method for providing scenery for a toy track layout comprising: folding an oblong web into a plurality of separate panels in an accordion-like manner along a plurality of vertical fold lines; unfolding said plurality of panels to form a flat web having a plurality of connected panels; folding said flat web along a horizontal fold line to form each panel into a scenic board and a ground board positioning the ground board in a horizontal position to cause the scenic board to be in a vertical position; disposing the vertically disposed boards at an angular relation to each other to cause overlapping of the ground board; and securing the adjacent ground boards to each other by means of joining tabs. 